USDA to Visit Dane County Farmers’ Market for National Farmers’ Market Week

Tom Vilsack, Agriculture Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture, has announced August 3-9 to be “National Farmers’ Market Week.” This will be the 15th National Farmers’ Market Week to celebrate the thousands of farmers’ markets, new and old, that set up in parking lots, closed streets, and other public spaces throughout the nation. You can read Secretary Vilsack’s official proclamation on the USDA website.

Local recognition of National Farmers’ Market Week will feature a visit from the USDA Agriculture Marketing Services Administrator Anne Alonzo to the Dane County Farmers’ Market on Saturday, August 2nd. Her tour of the market will be followed by remarks at 10am on the steps of the State Street entrance to the Capitol. According to the DCFM newsletter, Mayor Paul Soglin is expected to be in attendance.

Anne Alonzo

“National Farmers Market Week is a great opportunity for farmers markets across the country to host special events to showcase all the tremendous services they provide,” said Secretary Vilsack. “Farmers markets play a key role in developing local and regional food systems that support family farms, and help grow rural economies. They bring communities together, connecting cities with the farms that support them and provide Americans across the country with fresh, healthy food.”

SNAP/EBT access at local farmers’ markets is a vital piece of what makes these markets vibrant community and commercial spaces. We hope this year’s celebration of National Farmers’ Market Week will recognize and renew the USDA’s commitment to supporting EBT services at farmers’ markets.

The full press release regarding the National Farmers’ Market Week announcement and other events can be found on the USDA website.

Check out the other farmers’ markets in the Madison area that also accept EBT as part of YOUR celebration of National Farmers’ Market Week.